Overview

The Performance M.M. at Kent State University is a comprehensive postgraduate programme designed to transform musical passion into a professional career. Students engage in rigorous training that prepares them for roles as solo performers, orchestral musicians, or studio teachers. The curriculum balances practical performance skills with deep academic insights into music literature and historical practices.

Why Performance at Kent State University?

Studying at the School of Music provides access to a vibrant artistic community within the College of the Arts. The university is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, ensuring that the curriculum meets high professional standards. Students benefit from specialised facilities and the opportunity to participate in the renowned Kent Blossom Music Festival, fostering links with industry professionals and elite performers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20332 per year
National fee: USD 20332 per year
Local fee: USD 10706 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a foundation in research and history alongside intensive practical study. Modules may include:

Music History and Literature
Music Bibliography and Research Methods
Post-Tonal and Recent Music
Tonal and Pre-Tonal Music Theory
Analysis of Western Art Music
Symphonic Literature
Wind Band Literature
Piano Literature
Vocal Literature

Careers with Performance

Graduates of the programme are equipped for diverse professional activities in the global music industry. The advanced training supports transitions into high-level performance roles or further academic pursuit at the doctoral level. Common career paths for alumni include:

Orchestral Musician
Solo Performer
Music Director
Composer
Postsecondary Music Teacher
Studio Instructor
Choral or Ensemble Conductor

The programme's focus on independent artistic decision-making ensures that graduates can effectively manage professional careers in both performance and music education sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music History And Literature

Music Bibliography And Research Methods

Applied Music - Graduate Composition

Applied Music - Graduate Piano

Applied Music - Graduate Voice

Applied Music - Graduate Violin

Applied Music - Graduate Viola

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00

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Starting 2027-05-12 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Rolling admissions

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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IELTS

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Credits

34 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kent, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 329 other Masters in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale

Official transcript(s)

Résumé

Goal statement

Three letters of recommendation

Audition

English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20332 USD / year

≈ 20332 USD / year
Out-of-State

20332 USD / year

≈ 20332 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10706 USD / year

≈ 10706 USD / year

Living costs

Kent

United States

1036 - 1710 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Performance

About

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Kent

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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